Sports fans can look forward to a big IPL match for RCB and KKR on May 17, Saturday, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium when Royal Challengers Bengaluru square off against Kolkata Knight Riders. This meeting matters more than usual as the teams have taken nearly ten days away from each other because of border problems, so there is a lot at stake for each side.
RCB: The team is very close to making it into the playoffs.
So far this season, RCB have won eight out of eleven matches. A win here would ensure they play in the playoffs and remain in the running for the top two positions needed to go straight to the final. Recently, the team has played very well, winning four straight games ahead of the break
RCB still looks to Virat Kohli for leadership, especially since he retired from Test cricket. Changing his main attention to limited-overs matches could greatly help the franchise in their attempt to win the IPL for the first time
The playing XI for RCB should have Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi and Yash Dayal. If Devdutt Padikkal and Josh Hazlewood cannot take part due to injury, the team still has some experienced overseas stars.
KKR: Must-Win Scenario
The defending champions, KKR, now face a weakened position. After 12 games, in which they have five wins, six losses and one match with no result, they need to win the current game to keep playing for a place in the playoffs. A loss will most likely mean that they will not participate in the next level of the tournament. The side was gaining confidence before the break, thanks to winning two of their last three games
The predicted lineup for KKR is Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy and Vaibhav Arora.
Head-to-Head and Venue Insights at RCB and KKR
KKR have dominated the rivalry, winning most of their games with 20 out of 35. RCB had a comfortable victory over Delhi by chasing down a target of 175 without much trouble.
Chinnaswamy Stadium is famous for matches in which batters typically do well. Unfortunately, the new ball makes it easier for fast bowlers to succeed. Rain might affect the match of RRB and KKR in Bengaluru, though the ground’s high drainage means it is rarely an issue for too long.
Key Storylines at RRB and KKR match
RCB can secure a playoff spot by winning just once, whereas to stay in the race, KKR have to win.
- Virat Kohli’s performances in cricket since quitting Tests are being debated.
- The evening forecast suggests rain which could eventually play in RCB’s favor and take KKR out of the race.
- With both sides facing issues around who is available and who is injured, picking the right team has become very important.
Conclusion
Both franchises have a lot riding on this match. RCB is in a position to reach the playoffs and aim for the top two, but KKR is battling to stay in the tournament. Get ready for lots of outstanding players, intense action and plenty of drama in this match of RCB and KKR.
